Here are Jacqueline’s pick of family events taking place this Easter weekend across the North.

Join the Easter Bunny at Castle Ward for another jam-packed, fun-filled time at Castle Ward Demesne;  Strangford, Downpatrick.   From 12 noon to 6pm on Easter Sunday 31st andf Monday 1st April you and your family will have an eggs-cellent time in the spring sunshine with lots of scrummy chocolate for the way home! With their biggest Easter Egg Hunt yet there are over 10,000 eggs to be found on both days, so bring your binoculars and put your detective skills to the test to find some nestled all over the beautiful grounds. This year take part in the brand new, nationwide National Trust Egg and Spoon Race, so come and get everyone involved, mum, dad and the grandparents too!

On Easter Monday, An Creagan, located on the A505 midway between Omagh  and Cookstown is hosting The BIG Family Picnic. It is an opportunity to join other picnickers for a good old fashioned day out. Experienced al fresco diners can bring
their own lunch or if you

prefer the easy option there will be food and snack stalls  for you to put together your own packed lunch without the hassle. There will be music and mayhem with the Armagh Rhymers, arts workshops, face painting for the children, pond dipping for the nature lovers, an arts exhibition and of course the hunt for the Creggan White Hare.

Entertain the children at the Easter egg hunt on the beautiful Belle Isle Estate on  Easter Monday. The hunt will be divided into three age groups and each child can collect up to 10 brightly coloured clay eggs which will be exchanged for realchocolate ones. Each hunt will contain one golden egg and the lucky finders of these  will receive special big chocolate eggs. There will be free face-painting too and refreshments available for purchase at Belle Isle Cookery School.

Join the National Trust on Sunday and Monday for fun for all the family as you follow  the trail around the historic Downhill Demesne. Hunt for clues to crack the code and unlock the Cadbury chocolate egg surprise! On Monday, take part in the egg and spoon race!

Come along to The Argory on Monday and Tuesday for 2 fantastic days of Easter  fun! Face painting, craft activities and a chance to find the Cadbury’s Chocolate treasure with our fantastic egg trail.

What would Easter be without bunnies? Do you want to see some of Easter’s  cuddliest friends up close? Spend some time with the rabbits from T.A.C.T. Wildlife Centre at Carnfunnock Country Park on Saturday 30th March and hear their special
stories, including how they ended up at T.A.C.T.  Please note: not suitable for  children under 5 years of age.